Stars react to death of George Jones

NASHVILLE, TN - SEPTEMBER 13: Country Music Legend George Jones celebrates at his, George Jones' 80th birthday party at Rippy's Bar & Grill on September 13, 2011 in Nashville, Tennessee. (Photo by Rick Diamond/Getty Images)

(CNN) -- On the day of George Jones' death, several musicians were in mourning over losing not only a great talent, but a great friend.

"My heart is absolutely broken. George Jones was my all time favorite singer and one of my favorite people in the world," Dolly Parton tweeted Friday. "My heart goes out to Nancy and the rest of his family."

Country singer Brad Paisley, who recently kicked up some dust with his country/rap collaboration with LL Cool J, shared a lengthy reflection on Jones' legacy.

"George Jones' life is an example of so many wonderful things - how someone's God-given gifts can make this a richer, better place. How one human being can overcome adversity, addiction and life-threatening obstacles time and time again," Paisley wrote.

"That it is not the stumble or fall that counts, but the willingness to stand again. How a keen sense of humor and a twinkle in a person's eye can still prevail even after all of life's hard knocks. How mistakes, missteps, and bad choices are not the end of the world if a person chooses to turn them into something good. And George's life is above all the strongest example of how the love of a great woman can get a man through anything," the singer concluded. "All of this made its way beautifully into every note of the greatest voice country music will ever know, and one of the greatest friends you could ever have."

Paisley and Parton are just two of the several celebrities who shared their memories and respect for the singer/songwriter, who died in Nashville at 81.

Kris Kristofferson: "George Jones was the greatest country singer since Hank Williams and a truly beautiful human being. The world's a sadder place without him."

Alan Jackson: "Well, heaven better get ready for some great country music. While George was known for his wild and crazy days, I've known him for 25 years as a friend. He had grown into a real good man. Of course, he will always be the greatest singer and interpreter of real country music - there'll never be another. Like the song says, 'You know this old world is full of singers, but just a few are chosen to tear your heart out when they sing. Imagine life without them. Who's gonna fill their shoes.'"

Travis Tritt: "I am just devastated by the news that George Jones has passed away! The music world has lost one of the most original and innovative talents that the world has ever known. I feel such a personal loss of not only one of the greatest vocal influences of my life, but also I've lost a dear friend. Visits with George have always been full of joy and laughter. Every time I would see him, George would always greet me with a funny story or a joke! His legacy will put his name at the top of the most influential artists in history, right along with Hank Williams, Johnny Cash and Waylon Jennings. His voice will be influencing singers 100 years from now and beyond! I'm reminded of the lyrics that Waylon wrote in the tune "It's Alright". "If we all sang like we wanted to, we'd all sound like George Jones!"

Loretta Lynn: "It's a sad day for country music and a great loss for those of us who knew him. I was blessed to call George my friend. He was one of the best country singers there ever was. My thoughts and prayers are with his wife, Nancy, and all of his family. It's a sad, sad day."

Jennifer Nettles: "I'll never forget the first time I heard the story in "He Stopped Loving Her Today". RIP George Jones. Country Legend. U will be missed."

Andy Richter: "Very, very sad to hear that George Jones died. A truly gifted singer, in or out of Country."

Lee Greenwood: "Blessed 2 have worked with heroes like Conway, Cash & @gjpossum. Their star burns so bright. When it goes out, there's a void in our hearts."

Ricky Skaggs: "THE Country Music singer of all time. The words 'Who's Gonna Fill Their Shoes' has never been more true than today."

Alabama: "We're very saddened to hear of the death of our amazing friend George Jones."

Kevin Smith: "GEORGE JONES died. Whether you dig country music or not, he was a giant talent (and my Dad's favorite singer). #TheyPlacedAWreathUponHisDoor"Little Big Town: There will never be another George Jones. You are and always will be country music. Rest in peace."

Clay Aiken: "Sad to hear of the passing of the great George Jones, Soundtrack to much of my childhood. We'll lay a wreath upon his door. Rest in peace."

Shooter Jennings: "Nothing to say except George Jones will be missed. He was an incredible soul, inspiration, friend. Greatest singer of all time."

Reba McEntire: "My prayers go out to Nancy Jones today. Her partner and husband George Jones passed this morning. We'll miss George very much. RIP."

Billy Ray Cyrus: "I'm stunned and deeply saddened to learn of the passing of my good friend George Jones.The very definition of a legend. Thoughts and prayers."

LeAnn Rimes Cibrian: "?So sad we lost "the possum" today. R.I.P George Jones and know we didn't stop loving you today. You will live on forever in our hearts."

Martina McBride: "So sad to hear about George Jones . His voice and music will be with us forever. Thoughts go out to all his family, friends and fans."

Trace Adkins: "?George Jones was my friend, and I loved him."

Sara Evans: "So saddened to hear of George Jones' passing. He was an idol of mine and a true legend! One of the best voices of all time. I will miss him."

Faith Hill: "We lost one of the best voices God created this morning. Our hearts are saddened to hear that George Jones has passed away..."

Merle Haggard: "The world has lost the greatest country singer of all time. Amen."

Dierks Bentley: "[Nancy and Jones] had a beautiful marriage and special relationship. love you nancy. long live the possum. gonna miss my buddy. real sad."

Sheryl Crow: "Such a sad day...May you Rest in Peace George Jones."

Blake Shelton: "Really REALLY bad news. We've lost a country music legend. And I've lost a hero and a friend. Goodbye George Jones ..."

Keith Urban: "If I'm blessed enough to make it there, I look forward to you giving me the grand tour. Rest in peace George Jones!!!!!"

Charlie Daniels: "Rest in peace George Jones There will never be another one like you and we'll miss you a bunch buddy."

Recording Academy President Neil Portnow: "Two-time Grammy winner and Recording Academy Lifetime Achievement Award recipient George Jones was a true icon of country music. From honky-tonk tunes to country ballads, he recorded numerous hits over his legendary half-century career, including "White Lightning," "Still Doin' Time" and the enduring classic "He Stopped Loving Her Today," which is considered one of the most revered songs of the genre. The music community has lost a gifted and cherished artist. His legacy will continue to be celebrated for generations to come, and our heartfelt thoughts and condolences go out to his family, his friends and all of his fans who were lifted and inspired by his music."